Durbin & Cochran Introduce Legislation To Help Organ Transplant Patients

Press Release

Durbin & Cochran Introduce Legislation To Help Organ Transplant Patients

U.S. Senators Dick Durbin (D-IL) and Thad Cochran (R-MS) today introduced legislation, The Comprehensive Immunosuppressive Drug Coverage for Transplant Patients Act, to assist thousands of Americans under the age of 65 who are being cut off from Medicare payments for drug therapy after 36 months.

"In 2000, Congress passed critical legislation that provided older or disabled individuals lifetime coverage for immunosuppressive drugs through Medicare," said Durbin. "Today we are trying to extend that coverage to all patients trying to live healthy lives after organ transplants."

"I am pleased to introduce legislation that will improve the quality of life for people with end-stage renal disease," said Cochran. "This is especially important in states like Mississippi that have a high incidence of complications associated with diabetes, particularly kidney failure. A transplant is often the best option for these patients, and this important legislation would aid in providing the immunosuppressive drugs needed to make transplants successful."

According to United Network for Organ Sharing, UNOS, approximately 28,000 organ transplants were performed last year in the United States. The vast majority of transplants are provided to patients in need of a kidney because they are living with End Stage Renal Disease, ESRD, or kidney failure. However, for thousands of working Americans who had not yet reached 65 and were not disabled, treatment was cut off after 36 months regardless of their ability to pay for lifesaving therapy that can run more than $1,000 a month.

"There are few worries in life that can top waiting in line to get an organ transplant, but that's the reality for nearly 10,000 people in America today," said Durbin. "Those patients lucky enough to receive an organ match and undergo a successful transplant should not have to worry about being able to pay for the immunosuppressive drugs that are critical in reducing the risk of organ rejection."

The effects of the disparity in coverage are evidenced in the hypothetical case of a young woman. A 26 year old woman living with ESRD would have lifelong dialysis covered by Medicare at $50,000/year. Medicare would cover the cost of a transplant at $100,000/transplant. The immunosuppressive drugs she would need to ensure the organ is not rejected by her body are only covered for 36 months and the drugs are far less costly at $15,000/year. Without immunosuppressive drugs to keep kidney transplants from being rejected, many patients find themselves right back where they started: in need of a kidney. This circular cycle of care is costing taxpayers a lot of money and putting thousands of lives on the line.

Congressman Dave Camp (R-MI) has introduced companion legislation in the House.

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